CAMERA WORKSHOP 1

 Camera Workshop 1.

The first step of learning how to set up and use a camera was unboxing the equipment itself initially, the equipment being: the camera (Black Magic 4K mini URSA), a tripod, the lens cover and battery. 

The first thing we learned was that we need to state "yours" or "mine" depending on who has a hold of the camera (passing it) and who will be receiving it. 

We then learned how to set up a tripod; the instructions were to work from bottom to top in terms of adjusting the height, ensuring that the clips are locked in when need be for ease and safety with the weight of the camera. To put the camera on the tripod, we had to ensure that the device was held close to our bodies, then hold onto it with our right hand whilst the left pressed the button to allow it to slide on. Then, our hands needed to change over to do it to the other side.

We also practiced how to take a v-mount battery on and off of the camera, which was a simple sliding mechanism, ensuring that the 'v' was lined up with the camera. When taking it off, one of our fingers had to hold down the button. 

Before using the camera, we learned how to check the bubble/spirit level; this was to check if the camera was stable or level. In order to do so, the gear underneath the tripod had to be turned by quarter rotations to tighten or loosen the grip whilst trying to ensure that the circle was within the outer circle.

Then, we practiced focusing and zooming; to do so, the ring (zoom ring) closest to the camera body had to be turned, and then to focus the ring further away (focus ring) had to be as well. When filming someone, we learned that you have to zoom in as close as possible into the subject's eye as a focus point (this is because eyes are the most detailed part of someone's body), and adjust the focus until the image was sharp. Then, you can zoom out again; this ensures that the subject is in focus. 

Lastly, we learned about white balancing on the camera. White balancing adjusts the colours of the shot depending on the lighting in the area to ensure that white subjects look white. This could be easily done by clicking on 'WB' and choosing one of the settings such as daylight, shade, cloudy, and florescent.

To finish things, we were told to 'strike the kit'. This essentially meant that the equipment had to be packed up. This included; turning off the camera and closing it, taking off the battery, adjusting the tripod to its shortest height, folding it, and placing it all in the box to ensure easy access for next use.